Gentle giant Juan Martin Del Potro has overcome he recent spate of injuries and now that he’s healthy again he wants another Grand Slam title to go along with the 2009 US Open trophy.

“I’m here trying to do that, but it’s not easy,” Del Potro said yesterday after an easy win over qualifier Adrian Mannarino. “The last 33 Grand Slams win the same names, the same players. But I know how tough is win a Grand Slam. But I know the way to win a Grand Slam, also. So I’m trying to do that for this year. Could be my biggest challenge on this year, win another Grand Slam. But they are playing really good tennis, and it’s not easy.”

And even with challenger Rafael Nadal not in the field, the draw is still difficult Del Potro conceded.

“I think the favorites are the same even if Rafa is not here,” he said. “If Rafa could be here would be a favorite for sure also. But Roger, Novak, Andy Murray, and other guys can be the favorites to win the tournament.”

Del Potro has been a quarterfinalist two times at the Australian Open losing to Roger Federer both times in routine fashion. This year he’s seeded to meet two-time finalist Andy Murray in a match that would be played next Wednesday.

The Argentine is the only player other than Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Murray and Nadal to win a Slam in the last 31 events.

Del Potro will play German Benjamin Becker in the second round on Thursday.

Delpo’s a beast, but I don’t think he’s quite up there yet to win a Grand Slam tournament. He has to be more consistent against the top 5. He even has trouble beating David Ferrer, who, granted, is an amazing player, but should not give so much trouble to a potential top 5 player.

It would be great for tennis if DelPo wins a slam this year, and it wouild be even better if some other guys would step up and do the same.

Delpo’s problem is movement, which is the same for all of the tall players who play against Ferrer, who is Mr. speedy and never stops moving, but that’s the way the sport is presently that speed beats touch.

It has been some time since Del Po has won a Slam. He had a phenomenal US Open in 2009 when he beat Nadal and Roger back-to-back, to win the US Open. This is a rarest of rare feat and the other player who has done that is only Novak. Del Po has all the weapons in his possession to be a great player, only that he is not using it to perfection. He has a great serve, a ferocious flat forehand and a strong double handed backhand. He uses pace to outsmart his opponents. But all said and done, there is a big question mark over his temperament and physical abilities as well. I hope he turns a new leaf this year to restart his slam hunt.

I think it’s fitness and movement that’s DelPo’s problem. He lost a lot of time with his wrist problems and as a result his fitness has suffered. If he can stay healthy, like he did towards the second half of last year, his fitness and perhaps temperament will improve. His temperament is due to his frustration probably with his fitness. I can’t speak for him, but that’s how I see it.

I know it is a first round match, but Del Po was awesome. He hit some incredible half volley forehand winners at extraordinary pace.. As a Del Po fan, I have experienced great disappointment in the last two years. I think this is the year he is going to turn things around. I think he is going to make some noise in the French open this year.
He won’t be a number one for long periods, but this guy is going to be a threat to win every tournament he enters for years.